In genealogical circles it is common for families to become prominent members of their community and the Lecky family was no exception. The connection of the Lecky family to Londonderry/Derry is said to stretch back to Alderman Alexander Lecky who was also Mayor in 1691 and 1695 and is believed to have been a captain during the siege. In total 11 members of the Lecky family would be elected Mayor.
Sir Thomas Lecky Esq (1828-1907), who served as Mayor from 1886-1887, was the eldest of six children born to Thomas Lecky Esq and Hannah Smith. His siblings included three brothers- William, David and Edmund – as well as two sisters called Mary Anne and Eliza.
Before entering the world of politics, Sir Thomas was an officer in the Londonderry Light Infantry. It is not clear as to when he joined but he was granted a retirement allowance in April 1877. Four years prior to retiring he married Eleanor Henrietta Charlotte Scott, daughter of Reverend Henry Scott, on 16th January 1873. A daughter Catherine Ann Swettenham Lecky was born 1st June 1877.Catherine would marry firstly Frederick Charles Bloomfield Trench 20thJuly 1905 and secondly Reverend James McManaway.
It was sometime after he completed his term of office that Sir Thomas moved to Greystone Hall in Limavady. However it was by no means an indication of Sir Thomas slowing down as he was chairman of the local bench of magistrates, chairman of the Limavady School Attendance committee as well as being a member of the Limavady Board of Guardians.
After many years of public service Sir Thomas died on the 11th April 1907 aged 78 at his residence Greystone Hall. His estate was left to his daughter Catherine with some exceptions relating to his marriage settlement. He is buried in Christ Church of Ireland, of which he was a member, alongside his daughter Catherine and son-in-law James. A number of Sir Thomas’ aunts, uncles, brothers and his maternal grandparents are buried in a family plot in the grass area opposite Sir Thomas’ grave.
